Documentaries
Engineering An Empire: The Persians originally Aired on Monday, December 4, 2006 on the History Channel. Here is an extract: The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching 1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos. The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as the Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live in today. Peter Weller hosts. You can watch this documentary on youtube:
Animation
Several projects have attempted to create a virtual reconstruction of Persepolis.
You can check out some 3D animated reconstructions of Persepolis at 3DParse.com (link no longer active).
You can also check out another attempt at Persepolis3D.com by visiting the Gallery over there.
Yet another virtual Persepolis project is Persepolis Recreated. You can check out a couple of amazing clips from this project here:
A short clip with a mix of 3D and live action shots of Persepolis is also available for download here.
For another wonderful 3D animation, check out Isfahan , an animated film inspired by post-Islamic Persian architecture.
Here are some stills from an animation based on the ancient story of Gilgamesh, produced by Iranians Maryam Sedaghattalab and Fahimeh Bashari
News Stories
Check out this Channel 4 story about the "Forgotten Empire" exhibition in England, an exhibition displaying numerous items from the Persian Empire.